BackgroundMusorgsky’s epic historical opera was considered to be too radical and modern in his own day. He compromised on the dramatic side by adding the “Polish” act, complete with romantic interest and dance scenes. After his death, his friend Rimsky-Korsakov substantially recomposed the entire work with a more conservative orchestral sound. Boris is undoubtedly one of the greatest of Russian operas. It is debatable whether it would now be remembered without the substantial alterations by Rimsky which allowed it to hold the stage for over half a century. In recent years, Mussorgsky’s own version, usually edited by David Lloyd-Jones, with or without the Polish scenes, has gradually achieved supremacy, and Rimsky’s version can now be seen to have served its purpose. Its last performances by a British company were in 1974. Several classic recordings will still allow us to hear it in years to come. Scottish Opera’s staging used Musorgsky’s orchestration without the Polish act, and that act probably received its Scottish premiere from the Kirov in 1991.

Plot SummaryTsar Ivan the Terrible died in 1584, and his associate, Boris, was appointed as Regent during the minority of Ivan’s elder son, Fyodor. A younger son, Dmitri, was murdered in 1591, and the young Tsar died in 1598, Boris then assumed the throne, at which point the opera commences. Several of the boyars conspire against Boris, and the people suffer in the harsh economic climate. Rumours arise that Boris had Dmitri murdered, and Grigory, influenced by Pimen, leaves his monastery and pretends to be the dead prince, supported by Marina’s Polish forces. Boris declines into madness and dies, while Russia descends into anarchy.